Blog
Knowing Your History: The Founding and Early History of West Des Moines
West Des Moines has a long history that extends well before the founding of the city itself. The deep and rich history continues to grow to this day Continue Reading Knowing Your History: The Founding and Early History of West Des Moines
Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit was created by national stakeholders to elevate all businesses to assist and businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training, and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper. The Summit is owned and operated by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and is supported by several key stakeholders including Athene, Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo and more. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce created The Summit back in 2021 and Athene became the naming rights sponsor in 2022. Continue Reading Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
Return to Work Plans & Strategies
“Unprecedented” was the buzzword for 2020, but there are a lot of unknowns that still lie ahead for 2021. One being, what are the best strategies for returning to work? When? How? Remote, hybrid, or all in person? What does our next “new normal” look like? Join us to learn best practices and how area businesses are setting themselves up for success in 2021. Continue Reading Return to Work Plans & Strategies
Don’t Live with the Pain
Millions of Americans suffer from back pain. Whether it’s acute or chronic, you know the drill: workout regimens interrupted, trouble performing household tasks or picking up groceries – back pain can blow up your normal routine and leave you unable to remember what it was like not to be in pain. Continue Reading Don’t Live with the Pain
Tallgrass Theatre Company has a New Home
West Des Moines’ only community theatre company has recently signed a lease to occupy 2019 Grand Ave. Suite 100 in West Des Moines. Continue Reading Tallgrass Theatre Company has a New Home
Strategizing Beyond the Pandemic: Tips for Effective Facilitation
The plans leaders make in the first 90 days of 2021 could last a lifetime. Massive shifts have occurred in nearly every sector of the economy and returning to the pre-pandemic normal is simply not realistic for many organizations.
Many leaders consider 2021 as a transition year to the new normal and are planning now for the opportunities and realities which lie ahead. Crafting effective plans frequently involves resolving difficult issues and making critical decisions. Continue Reading Strategizing Beyond the Pandemic: Tips for Effective Facilitation
West YP
West YP is a program of the West Des Moines Chamber developed by young professionals for young professionals.
It provides the opportunity to grow your leadership, make an impact on the community, develop lasting connections, and have memorable experiences.
To move forward with your personal and professional goals, go west. Go West YP. Continue Reading West YP
Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs face a variety of obstacles when starting a new venture, from obtaining financing, hiring a team, marketing their product or service, keeping up with competitors, and so much more. For some Black entrepreneurs and business owners, these challenges can be even harder to overcome. Thank you to Bankers Trust for compiling this guide. Continue Reading Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
We Only Get Today Once
What are you going to do? How are you going to use your 365 days wisely and get to where you want to go in 2021? At the WDM Chamber, we are family. You can lean on us and Chamber members to help propel yourself and your business forward. Continue Reading We Only Get Today Once
West Des Moines Chamber Holiday Activities
By Michael Conlon, Editorial Intern
With the holiday season upon us and COVID-19 still very much part of our lives, this holiday season is going to look different. That being said, the West Des Moines area still has a lot of great opportunities to celebrate the season and spread holiday joy, not COVID-19. Continue Reading West Des Moines Chamber Holiday Activities
Traditional New Year’s Resolutions are a Thing of the Past in 2021
By Mallory Behrens, Social Media Intern
We can all agree that 2020 has been a year of many unknowns, and much chaos. The Covid-19 global pandemic has thrown a curveball into our lives we were not expecting. This may have put a halt to the resolutions we made at the beginning of this year. Continue Reading Traditional New Year’s Resolutions are a Thing of the Past in 2021
COVID-19 is Demanding all Leaders to Do More
By Tom Mulrooney, FACHE – Vice President of Surgical and Cardiovascular Services/Chief Operating Officer for Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Methodist West Hospital
In March 2020, the COVID pandemic was just beginning to cause extensive damage to the health of our fellow citizens, our way of life, and our financial well-being. As a hospital administrator, my colleagues and I were faced with an endless number of difficult decisions. In reality, the decision was already made for us. Continue Reading COVID-19 is Demanding all Leaders to Do More
WDM Chamber Launches DEI Committee in a Big Way
By Baillee Furst, Events & Marketing Manager
Following the death of George Floyd and protests across the country earlier this year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce knew it wanted to help make a positive difference in the business community of the most diverse suburb in Iowa. Continue Reading WDM Chamber Launches DEI Committee in a Big Way
Knowing Your History: The Jordan House
By Michael Conlon, Editorial Intern
The Jordan House has a long history of being an important part of West Des Moines. There are endless stories that revolve around the Jordan house and James Jordan himself. Continue Reading Knowing Your History: The Jordan House
What it Means to be an Intern for a Female Run Business
By Mallory Behrens, Social Media Intern
As a young professional woman, I realize how important it is to inspire others to speak up. The reason I am so passionate about this topic is because I am learning from strong women everyday. Continue Reading What it Means to be an Intern for a Female Run Business
Paid and Unpaid Breaks: What Employers Need to Know
By Katherine Harrington, President & CEO Continue Reading Paid and Unpaid Breaks: What Employers Need to Know
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce – “The WEST Report: Mid-Year Momentum 2025” – (WEST = Work. Engage. Serve. Thrive.)
By Katherine Harrington, President & CEO Continue Reading West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce – “The WEST Report: Mid-Year Momentum 2025” – (WEST = Work. Engage. Serve. Thrive.)
Building the Dream (Property Management) Team
By Mike Herrmann, Advantage Property Management President In the ever-evolving world of commercial real estate, an effective property management team is all about creating solutions… Continue Reading Building the Dream (Property Management) Team
Interview Do’s and Don’ts in the Age of AI
By Nick McFall, VP Sales Management – Consulting Interviews have changed. Not because the questions are drastically different, but because the tools job seekers now… Continue Reading Interview Do’s and Don’ts in the Age of AI
How Performance Management Impacts Your Bottom Line
The distribution of funds is a complicated process for all industries. From salary increases and raises to annual performance reviews, leadership teams have much to… Continue Reading How Performance Management Impacts Your Bottom Line
Building a Positive Customer-Broker Relationship
By Jonny Bosworth & Grant Tucker, R&R Real Estate Advisors  In real estate, every transaction begins with something more important than property—trust. Whether helping… Continue Reading Building a Positive Customer-Broker Relationship
Daring to Dream: Lessons from Christine Ha
By Katherine Harrington, President & CEO Continue Reading Daring to Dream: Lessons from Christine Ha
5 Principles for Successful Product Development
By Ed Croushore, VP, Product Solutions at Wellabe  Whether you’re refreshing an existing product or developing a new one, many factors can help or… Continue Reading 5 Principles for Successful Product Development
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Your Organization
Authored by Connectify HR, a locally owned and operated Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Â Navigating health insurance and employee benefits can be overwhelming and time-consuming… Continue Reading How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Your Organization